Severe Weather Road Safety Tips

Know your risk

The impact of flooding on roads can be significant; however not something drivers encounter regularly. Queensland has the longest and most diverse road network in the country, traversing multiple climate zones. Each flood, each road, each storm, each driver, each community is different.

Floodwater

Flooding removes one of a driver's most important tools: the ability to read the road. The fact is, that floodwater can be unpredictable and dangerous. It has the power to sweep away your car and rip up the road.

Flooding can hide deep potholes, collapsed road surfaces, large objects and washed-out drains.

Floodwater can carry debris, contaminants, sewerage, and even animals.

There is no reliable way for a driver to estimate the force or depth of floodwater. It can move at speed and take you by surprise, even when it looks calm on the surface.

The Drive

Driving during severe weather in Queensland, you never know what’s around the corner. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifelong resident or new to sunny Queensland, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to your safety on the road.

When it comes to flooding, some roads and conditions are more dangerous than others. Research shows that almost two thirds of vehicle-related flood fatalities in Australia happened at crossings, bridges or causeways. Poor lighting, low visibility or driving at night can make it even harder to judge the risks on wet roads.

Understanding your local flood risk is an important part of staying safe. But local knowledge isn’t enough on its own. Research shows that almost two-thirds of vehicle-related flood fatalities in Australia happen within just 20 km of the driver’s home. Conditions can change quickly- every storm, cyclone and flood is different. Stay alert, even if you know the roads like the back of your hand.

Severe weather is part of living and travelling in Queensland, and being prepared comes with the territory. Stay vigilant when it comes to your safety on the road. Forget about what you’ve done in the past and have a plan so you don’t risk your life in the future. Each storm, driver, car, and road is different, but one thing is the same- floodwater is unpredictable.

Your Vehicle

Research suggests most drivers are not aware of the limitations of their car, with many overestimating its capacity to drive through floodwater, even if they’ve never tried. It's easy to think that our car can protect us in all weather conditions, but the bottom line is, cars are not built for floodwater. Cars are designed to keep us safe on the road but once you hit water, it becomes a completely different story.

Floodwater can disable your car

Cars and water are a dangerous mix. Driving into floodwater can cause serious damage to your car’s engine, steering, brakes and electrical systems. Electric windows and doors can stop working. As water rises around your car, pressure can make the doors difficult or impossible to open. Don’t risk getting stuck inside your car. Modern cars are often sealed for air-conditioning and sound proofing, which makes them more buoyant. The bottom line is, cars are not built for floodwater.

It doesn't matter what car you drive, or how good you are at driving

A well fitted out 4WD with a snorkel can handle some tough conditions, but flooded roads are in a category of their own. The normal precautions aren’t enough. The ‘wading depth’ listed in your car’s manual is designed for still or low speed currents. They don't consider the many dangers of floodwater. It's not worth the risk.

Don’t risk the cost

Driving into floodwater could cost you your car, and leave you with the bill for the damage. If your car is written off or damaged after you deliberately drive into floodwater, comprehensive insurance may not cover you. You could be left paying thousands of dollars for a car you can no longer drive.

Make a Plan

Three quarters of Queenslanders have experienced driving in and around floodwaters in the past two years. The best way to avoid driving in floodwater is to be prepared. Prepare for bad weather now, not in the moment.

Before you get in the car

Check the weather

The weather can change along the way. Before you get in the car, check the forecast for where you’re headed, not just where you are.

Check the roads

QLDTraffic provides state-wide information on road conditions. You can also check out flood cameras and real-time traffic imagery.

Check the warnings

Review current Emergency Alerts issued by the State Disaster Coordination Centre and check your local Disaster Dashboard.

Check yourself

Before you drive, take a moment to check whether you really need to go now. Time pressure can feel more urgent than risk. Small delays can reduce big risks.

While you're on the road

Drive to the conditions

If conditions change, stay calm, slow down and drive to the conditions. Be especially cautious at night, when floodwater can be difficult to see.

Tune into local radio

Conditions can change quickly. Local radio can keep you informed while you’re on the move.

Always follow the signs

Always obey road closure signs and load restrictions even if floodwater has gone down. Never assume a road is safe just because there’s no road closure sign.

If in doubt, wait it out

Don’t be afraid to pull over somewhere safe and wait it out. A quick message to let work or loved ones know you'll be late can take the pressure off and give you time to wait for safer conditions.

Pack a Kit: emergency essentials for your car

Here are some potentially lifesaving items to have in the car. Some should be kept where the driver can reach them, while others can be stored safely in the back for when you need to pull over and wait until it is safe to travel again.

At arm's reach

The safest choice is to avoid the risk of floodwater completely, however an emergency hammer, waterproof torch and foil blanket can help if you get stuck or trapped in your vehicle. They should be kept where the driver can reach them. If your windows stop working, breaking them is almost impossible without a vehicle emergency hammer.

Person putting an emergency kit in the glovebox

In the boot

Keeping a vehicle emergency kit in the boot will mean you are prepared for the unexpected. Be sure to pack: a first aid kit, bottled water and long-life food, toilet paper, a blanket, toolkit, tarpaulin, torch and batteries, a shovel and tow rope (if your car is equipped for towing.)